Bhojpur, Aug 18: The increasing monkey menace in Bhojpur district has afflicted farmers, for the troop damages various crops and fruits throughout the year. Once the troop of monkeys enters the maize fields, it is difficult to save the plant.
Whether it is maize or and other crops ripe for harvest, there is alarming money menace, causing huge loss. The areas close to forest and far from human settlements face more monkey invasion in the district. Once the simians enter the fields of ripe maize, they eat up and perish the harvest in no time.
A local of Bhojpur Municipality-4, Kumar Raut, shared the plight that it is imperative to seek a long-term solution to control monkey menace. Only immediate measures are not enough. “Monkeys destroy the crops which are cultivated with hard work. We have to go to the fields and stay standby to chase way the pestering simians”.
He expressed worry why the governments do not pay heed to farmers’ problems.
Even the vegetables and fruits in gardens are not spared. It has forced the farmers to set up huts in the fields and remain vigilant against the invasive troops. Farmers inform that two to three members of the family have to be stationed in the fields daily to chase away monkeys.
Chief of the Division Forest Office in Bhojpur, Khudrus Minya, said the local levels and farmers were distributed the devices to chase away the monkeys. The devices were however for immediate solution, Minya admitted, adding that more effective measures are required for long term solution.
The farmers here are so worried that some have even thought of leaving settlements all because of severe damages of crops throughout the year. The monkey menace is becoming both the economic and social problem. The families entirely dependent on agriculture are hit hard by the monkey nuisance.
The local government and the concerned bodies are demanded to extend coordination and formulate a long term plan to control monkeys. Minimizing crop damages and ensuring farmers’ livelihood are urgent.
